Dr. Riek Machar of South Sudan condemned the Ugandan military presence as a violation of sovereignty and international agreements. In his letter to the UN, he demanded immediate withdrawal of Ugandan forces. While the South Sudanese government defends the deployment as necessary for stability, Machar warns it threatens the peace process and urges for dialogue and intervention from the international community.
In a significant development, Dr. Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon, the First Vice President of South Sudan, has formally raised concerns regarding the presence of Ugandan military forces in South Sudan. In a letter dated March 21, 2025, addressed to UN Secretary-General António Guterres and other key international figures, Machar condemned this military intervention as a breach of national sovereignty and international agreements. He has called for the immediate withdrawal of Ugandan troops from South Sudanese territory.
Machar characterized the Ugandan military involvement as a serious infringement upon the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan and other critical accords concerning hostilities and humanitarian access. He highlighted that Ugandan troops have reportedly participated in airstrikes targeting civilians in various regions, exacerbating the conflict in the country.
In contrast, South Sudan’s Minister of Information, Michael Makuei Leuth, defended the military presence, referring to an older pact developed during the conflict with the Lord’s Resistance Army. He argued that this military agreement remains valid and allows for Uganda’s support of South Sudanese forces. The Ugandan National Resistance Movement has also endorsed this deployment, indicating it aims to stabilize the region.
Operation Mlinzi wa Kimya, initiated on March 11, 2025, involves elite Ugandan forces who have entered South Sudan at key border points and are under the command of Brig. Gen. Anthony Mbuusi Lukwago. This military operation has been presented as critical for maintaining order given the existing threats in the area.
Nevertheless, Machar has dismissed the legitimacy of an earlier 2014 military agreement, contending that it was never endorsed by the current government. He reiterated that the Revitalized Peace Agreement mandates the departure of all non-South Sudanese armed groups, highlighting existing mechanisms for conflict resolution within South Sudan. Additionally, he expressed his expectation that Uganda should act as a mediator rather than a combatant in the region.
The Vice President issued a stark warning about the potential consequences of the Ugandan military intervention, suggesting that it could lead to the collapse of South Sudan’s fragile peace agreement. He asserted that the people of South Sudan cannot endure further violence and urged the international community to exert pressure for the withdrawal of Ugandan forces. Machar remains committed to resolving disputes through dialogue and cooperation with guarantors and international partners.
In summary, Dr. Riek Machar’s correspondence to the UN illustrates the tense situation regarding the Ugandan military presence in South Sudan. He firmly opposes this intervention, citing breaches of international agreements, and calls for the removal of Ugandan troops. While the South Sudanese government defends its military collaboration with Uganda, Machar emphasizes the importance of dialogue and internal conflict resolution. His concerns underscore the fragile state of peace in South Sudan and the potential risks posed by foreign military involvement.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
